During the summer, many of us have unattractive yellow lawns. This is due to our conservation efforts with regard to water. There are also other issues that can cause a lawn to discolor. Among these are dog urine, pests, disease, overuse, and fertilizer amounts. Do you know how to turn a yellow lawn green again, though? Read on for common reasons why lawns turn yellow and some fixes for yellow lawns.
Common Reasons Why Lawns Turn Yellow
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Dog Urine
Depending on the type of grass and how often your dog urinates on your lawn, it might not take long for the grass to turn yellow. The cause of this is a high concentration of nitrogen in the dog’s urine. This high concentration of nitrogen is toxic to grass. It can kill the grass. The nitrogen actually burns the grass.
If your lawn becomes yellow where your dog urinates, then you can use a garden hose to rinse away the dog’s urine. This will help to keep the lawn green and healthy. You should do this as soon as your dog urinates on the grass. If you do not rinse away the dog urine, the grass will eventually die and turn brown. You will then need to repair the lawn by replanting grass seed in the area.
Dog urine can also cause brown spots to appear in your lawn. Again, this is due to the high concentration of nitrogen in your dog’s urine. The high concentration of nitrogen can actually kill the grass. To prevent brown spots from appearing on your lawn, you should rinse away your dog’s urine with a garden hose as soon as your dog urinates.
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Pests
There are many different types of pests that can damage your lawn. Among the most common are grubs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. All of these pests will eat the grass on your lawn and can cause the lawn to turn yellow.
If you have pests in your lawn, you should treat your lawn with an insecticide. You can purchase insecticide at most home improvement stores. You should follow the instructions on the package.
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Disease
If you notice your lawn has brown patches and your grasses are dying, this may be a sign of a disease. You should contact a professional to diagnose your lawn. They will be able to determine what is causing the disease and will be able to treat it.
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Heat and Sunlight
If your lawn is located in an area that gets a lot of sun, it may be suffering from heat and sun damage. This can make your grass turn brown and die. If you notice this happening, you may need to water your lawn more often to prevent the damage from getting worse.
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Poor Soil Conditions
If your soil is compacted or has a lot of clay, it can make it difficult for your grasses to grow. This can cause them to turn brown and die. You may need to improve the soil conditions on your lawn to make it healthier.
Tips on Preventing Yellow Lawns
If your lawn is faded, it is time to turn it green again. The easiest way to do this is to take good care of the turf grass and ensure it is healthy. This will help it fight pests and diseases.
- Thin the trees to allow more sunshine to enter the area.
- Keep your mower sharp and only mow when the grass is dry.
- Aerate the lawn and improve drainage to enhance air circulation to the roots.
- Rake up any excess grass clippings, which can serve as a habitat for bugs and illness. The same holds true for falling leaves.
- Another critical part of yellow lawn maintenance is to water heavily but seldom in the morning, when the leaf blades have time to dry.
- Fertilize as directed, and keep an eye out for weed competitors that can sap the lawn’s resources.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why your lawn may turn yellow. The most common reason is a lack of nitrogen. Other reasons include disease, pests, and improper watering. Luckily, there are some simple fixes for a yellow lawn.
Highland Services Now offers various landscaping services, including sod installation, lawn mowing, and more! If you need landscaping in Rochester, NY to boost your home’s curb appeal, reach out to us today to see how we can help.